On the medium-duty side of the industry, Class 5-7 net orders increased substantially in February, hitting 22,316 units for the month. Healthy consumer balance sheets, rising new home construction and improved state and local government budgets also contributed to the positive movement for the segment. Unlike the Class 8 segment, which is recovering from so much growth in early 2015, the medium-duty market has had an absence of overbuying, according to ACT.

“Medium-duty is well positioned for continued steady growth into 2016,” said Meil.